Apparatus and Method for Paving an Inclined Surface

ABSTRACT

The invention is an apparatus for smoothing and leveling a hardenable paving material on an inclined surface. The apparatus can be detachably mounted onto a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base and at least one screed bar that extends outwardly from the base. The screed bar is capable of being angularly adjustable with respect to the base. The angle between the screed bar and the base can be adjusted so that the screed bar can be positioned in a substantially parallel relationship with a surface that is to be paved. The apparatus can be moved parallel to the surface to be paved so that the screed bar traverses across and levels hardenable material that has been deposited on the inclined surface. Upon completion of paving operations, the apparatus can be detached from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be mounted on a fork lift.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for paving an inclined surface, and more particularly to an apparatus for paving an inclined surface that can be detachably mounted on a vehicle.

The paving of a surface with a hardenable material, such as concrete, typically includes depositing the material on a surface to be paved followed by leveling the freshly applied material with a screed to produce a smooth and leveled surface. In the paving of inclined surfaces, these steps may present some unique challenges. For instance, after a concrete material has been deposited on the inclined surface the concrete may have a tendency to flow downwardly in the direction of the inclined surface's base. This tendency to flow downwardly may not permit sufficient time for leveling the surface with the screed. As a result, in some cases, it may be necessary to install concrete forms that break up the inclined surface into more manageable sections. The use of concrete forms typically requires additional labor and materials. Additionally, the amount of the surface which can be paved in a continuous manner may be reduced. As a consequence, inefficiencies and costs associated with paving an inclined surface may be increased.

Various machines have been developed in an attempt to overcome some of the obstacles described above. For example, machines have been developed that include a screed that can be applied across an inclined surface. One such prior art machine comprises a pair of driven machines that are placed opposite each other at the top and base of the inclined surface. The driven machines cooperate to move the screed across the inclined surface to level the freshly deposited concrete. To ensure that the screed produces a level surface, it is important that both driven machines travel in a simultaneously parallel path. Another prior art device drives along the base of the inclined surface and includes a screed bar that levels the concrete as the machine drives in a forward direction. This type of machine is dedicated solely to the paving of inclined surfaces and includes power and drive systems that are an integral to the machine.

As noted above, many of the machines developed for paving an inclined surface comprise complex machinery and require operators having specialized technical skills. Additionally, many of these machines are solely dedicated to the paving of inclined surfaces and may include a power system that is an integral part of the machine. As a consequence, the costs associated with such machines may be prohibitively expensive. These costs may be further magnified because the machines are typically dedicated solely to paving inclined surfaces. In some cases, a developer or contractor may not have ready access to such machines, which may result in increases in the overall costs associated with paving an inclined surface.

Thus, there exists a need for an apparatus and method for paving an inclined surface that that can be used to pave an inclined surface in an efficient manner at a reduced cost.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for paving an inclined surface with a hardenable material, such as concrete, that can overcome many of the problems described above. In one embodiment, the invention is directed an apparatus that can be detachably mounted onto a vehicle, such as a fork lift. The apparatus includes a base and a screed bar that extends outwardly from the base and that is capable of being angularly adjusted with respect to the base. As a result, the angle between the base and the screed bar is adjustable so that the screed bar can be positioned in a desired inclined relationship with a surface to be paved. The screed bar can then be used to smooth and level the hardenable material that has been deposited on the surface to be paved.

In one embodiment, the apparatus can be detachably mounted on the tines of a fork lift vehicle. In this embodiment, the base of the apparatus may include one or more openings that are capable of receiving the tines of the lift vehicle. In operation, the operator of the lift vehicle can drive the lift vehicle forward so that the tines enter into the one or more openings. Thereafter the tines can be used to lift the apparatus to a desired elevation with respect to the surface to be paved. The angle of the screed bar is then adjusted to be substantially aligned with the surface to be paved. An operator of the lift vehicle drives the vehicle forward so that the screed bar traverses across the inclined surface. As the screed bar moves across the surface it smooths and levels the hardenable material that has been deposited on the surface. Upon completion of paving, the apparatus can be detached from the vehicle.

Thus, the invention provides a relatively simple apparatus that can be used to pave an inclined surface. The apparatus can be mounted on a conventional lift vehicle and does not require complex machinery or extensive training. As a result, the invention may provide a low-cost and efficient method of paving an inclined surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus that can be detachably mounted on a vehicle and can be used to pave an inclined surface;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the screed bar in the process of smoothing and leveling freshly deposited hardenable material;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus that can be detachably mounted on a vehicle and can be used to pave an inclined surface;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 3 wherein the apparatus has been mounted on a vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 3 in the process of leveling and smoothing a hardenable material; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1 or 3 in the process of leveling and smoothing a hardenable material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

With reference to FIG. 1, an apparatus for smoothing and leveling a hardenable paving material on an inclined surface is illustrated and broadly designated as reference number 10. The apparatus can be detachably mounted onto a vehicle, such as a lift truck. As discussed in greater detail below, the apparatus includes a base 12 and at least one leveling bar 14 that extends outwardly from the base. The leveling bar, also referred to a screed bar, is capable of being angularly adjustable with respect to the base. The ability to adjust the angle between the screed bar and the base permits positioning the screed bar in a substantially parallel relationship with the incline of the surface to be paved. The apparatus can be moved parallel to the surface to be paved so that the screed bar traverses across and levels hardenable material that has been deposited on the inclined surface. Upon completion of paving operations, the apparatus can be detached from the vehicle.

The apparatus can be used to pave a variety of surfaces of varying degrees of incline. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a variety of different hardenable materials, such as concrete, asphalt, viscoelastic plastics, and the like.

In one embodiment, the base 12 includes one or more cross members 16 from which an upright member 18 extends upwardly. The apparatus also includes at least one screed bar 14 that extends outwardly from the base 12. The screed bar 14 includes a lower end 20 that is pivotably attached to the base at 22. In one embodiment, the point at which the lower end 20 of the screed bar is attached to the base includes a ball joint (not visible) or equivalent mechanism that permits angular and rotational movement of the screed bar relative to the base. As briefly discussed above, the position of the screed bar with respect to the base is repositionable so that the angle between the screed bar and the base can be adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the screed bar and the base is identified by reference number 24. Adjusting the angle between the screed bar and the base can allow the screed bar to be move between angles of 0° up to angles of 90°, with respect to the base. As a result, the apparatus can be used in paving a wide variety of inclined surfaces over a varying range of angular inclines.

The screed bar has a first elongate surface 30 defining a longitudinally extending linear screed edge 32 that is oriented to engage underlying paving material. As briefly mentioned above, the apparatus may also include a means for mounting the screed bar to the base to have adjustable rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the screed bar may also include a second elongate surface (not visible) that is joined to a surface 38 of the screed bar on the side opposite the first elongate surface 30. In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the screed bar 14 as it is in the process of smoothing and level concrete that has been deposited on the inclined surface. As shown, the screed bar 14 may be formed of angle iron having a generally “L” shaped cross section defined by two legs. One of the legs 31 defines the elongate surface 30 and the other leg 35 defines the second elongate surface 36. As a result, the angle of the first elongate surface can be varied with respect to the underlying paving material. In FIG. 1, this rotational movement is depicted by the semi-circular arrow which is identified by reference number 34. As mentioned above, the means for rotatably mounting the screed bar to the base may include a ball joint or equivalent mechanism. Angling the orientation of the first elongate surface with respect to the inclined surface may help facilitate smoothing and leveling of the hardenable material. For example, in FIG. 2 the angle is depicted as being less than 90 degrees so that as the screed bar passes over the freshly deposited material, the first elongate surface helps to push the accumulating material downward and under the screed edge 32. The second and first surfaces of the screed bar may also be joined to each other at various angles to form a screed bar having a varying angled cross-section. For example, the first and second surfaces of the screed bar may form a right-angle, acute-angle or obtuse angle cross-section.

The apparatus also includes an elongate support member 40 having a first end 42 attached to the screed bar and a second and opposite end 44 that is attached to the upright member 18. The elongate support member serves to position and support the screed bar in a desired angular inclined relationship with respect to the base. As shown, the first end 42 of the elongate support member is attached to the screed bar 14 at a position that is spaced apart from lower end 20 of the screed bar, and the second end 44 is attached to an upper portion 46 of the upright member 18. In some embodiments, the screed bar may also include a plurality of openings 48 to which the first end 42 of the screed bar can be attached. The first end 44 of the elongate support member can be attached to the screed bar utilizing a variety of different fastening devices, such as bolts, nuts, pins, clips, wires, latches, clamps, etc.

In one embodiment, the elongate support is of adjustable length and includes a means for adjusting the length of the elongate support. Adjusting the length of the elongate support can be used to angularly adjust the inclined position of the screed bar with respect to the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for adjusting the length of the elongate support member comprises a system in which the elongate support includes two or more rods that are fastened together with one or more threaded barrels so that the distance between the rods can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, in one embodiment the means for adjusting the length of the elongate support member may comprise a coupling device 50, such as a turnbuckle or rigging screw, having an oblong member that is internally threaded at both ends into which the corresponding sections of two threaded rods are screwed in order to form a unit that can be adjusted for tension or length. As briefly noted above, the screed 14 may also include a plurality of openings 48 that extend along at least a portion of the length of the first elongate surface 30. The plurality of openings 48 can be used in conjunction with the coupling device to quickly and precisely align the screed bar with the inclined surface.

In some embodiments, the elongate support 40 may be attached to the upright member 18 with a ball joint 54 or similar mechanism that permits the position of the elongate member to be angularly adjustable with respect to the base.

With reference to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 a is illustrated. In this embodiment, the base includes a plurality of cross members 16 from which a plurality of upright members 18 extend upwardly. The cross members 16 and the upright members 16 collectively form a base 12 a having a cage-like structure. In some embodiments, the base 12 a may also include one or more diagonal members 56 to provide additional structural support to the apparatus. In FIG. 3, the elongate support 40 cam be attached to a surface 58 extending outwardly from one of the upright members 18. Alternatively, the elongate support 40 can be attached directly to the upright member 18.

The apparatus 10 a may include a first pair of coplanar and space apart cross members 60 and a second pair of coplanar and space apart cross members 62 that are joined to each other with a plurality of upright members 18 to define a base 12 a having a cage-like structure. In one embodiment, the first and second pairs of cross members are spaced apart to define one or more openings 80 for receiving the tines of a lift vehicle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include additional pairs of cross members to provide additional structural support for the apparatus 10 a.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include a stiffening support member that helps prevent lateral movement of the screed bar as it is moved across the hardenable material. In this regard FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein the apparatus 10 includes a stiffening support member 70 having a proximal end 72 that is attached to the screed bar 14 and an opposite and distal end 74 (not visible in FIG. 3) that is attached to the base 12 a. Preferably, the stiffening support member provides support to the back surface 38 of the screed bar so that the force of hardenable material impacting and being driven forward by the front surface of screed bar does not cause lateral movement of the screed bar, e.g., the screed bar being pushed backwardly as the apparatus is being driven forward. In one embodiment, the screed bar includes a channel 76 that extends along a portion of its length and that is capable of attachably receiving the proximal end of the stiffening support member 70. The channel 76 is provided so that the position of the stiffening support member can be adjusted as the angle of the screed bar is adjusted with respect to the base.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the stiffening support member 70 may be attached to the base 12 a with a ball joint or similar mechanism that permits the position of the stiffening support member to be angularly adjustable with respect to the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the stiffening support member is attached to surface 78 that is located at a rearward portion of the base with respect to the location at which the screed bar is attached to the base. For example, in one embodiment the base may include a surface that extends rearwardly outward from the base. In one embodiment, surface 78 comprises a horizontal support member that is joined to at least one of the upright members and extends outwardly from the base 12 a in the direction of the lift vehicle.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a means for detachably mounting the apparatus to a vehicle. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the means for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle comprises one or more openings 80 in the cross member that are adapted for receiving a lifting and/or mounting surface of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vehicle may comprise a conventional fork lift vehicle 82, and the openings 80 in the base may be adapted to receive the tines 84 of the lift vehicle therein. The tines of lift vehicle may then be used to lift and support the apparatus at a desired elevation. The lift vehicle may then be used to move the screed across an inclined surface having freshly applied concrete. Upon completion of the concrete pouring and smoothing operations, the operator of the lift vehicle can lower the apparatus 10, 10 a to the ground and detach the vehicle from the apparatus by backing the tines out of the opening(s). As a result, the invention provides a means whereby the apparatus can be relatively quickly mounted on to, and detached from, the vehicle. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to be detachably mounted on other types of vehicles or machinery, such as a truck, back hoe, and the like.

The opening(s) 80 may be formed as an integral part of the cross member or may comprise a bracket that is fastened to a surface of the cross member. In other embodiments, the openings can be formed from two cross member that are vertically aligned with each other and define a space therebetween (see briefly FIG. 3, reference number 80). The space between the cross members defines an opening that is capable of receiving the lifting surface of the lift vehicle, for example, the tines of the fork lift. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be secured to the vehicle after being mounted on the tines of the lift vehicle. For example, in FIG. 4 the apparatus is depicted as being securely attached to the lift vehicle using one or more straps 86 that fix the apparatus to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the means may include mounting brackets that may be positioned on the base, on the vehicle, or both, and that are adapted to permit the apparatus to be mounted onto a vehicle. For example, the apparatus may include a mounting bracket that can be configured to attach the apparatus to the frame of a vehicle, such as truck or to a backhoe.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a means for vibrating the screed bar. In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus in which a vibrating unit 90 is attached to the screed bar 14 to help assist in the smoothing and leveling of the hardenable material as the screed bar traverses across the inclined surface. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include one or more skid bars that help facilitate travel of the base over a surface. In this regard, FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate an embodiment wherein a plurality of skid bars 65 are attached to the underside of cross member 16.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include two leveling bars or, alternatively a single leveling bar. In some cases, such as at work sites where there is limited space to maneuver, it may be desirable to remove one of the leveling bars. To help facilitate remove of one of the leveling bars, the apparatus may include a counterbalance that offsets the weight of the remaining leveling bar. In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment having a moveable counterbalance 67 positioned on the base 12 a. The base 12 a may include a plurality of flanges or rails (not visible) that permit the counterbalance to be repositioned laterally between the uprights 18. The weight of the counterbalance can be used to help stabilize the apparatus by offsetting the weight of the leveling bar 14.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the apparatus 10, 10 a in the process of smoothing and leveling a hardenable material to form a paved inclined surface. As the hardenable material 92 is deposited onto the surface to be paved, the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is driven forward. Concurrently, the first elongate surface 30 of the screed bar 14 traverses across and engages the deposited hardenable material 92. Movement of the screed bar across the surface results in the hardanable material being pushed forward by the first elongate surface 30 of the screed bar. Simultaneously, the screed edge 32 engages the underlying hardenable material so that it is smoothed and leveled to produce a paved inclined surface 94.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A vehicle mountable apparatus for smoothing a hardenable paving material into an inclined surface, said apparatus comprising: a base comprising at least one cross member and at least one upright member extending from said cross member; a screed bar extending outwardly from said base, said screed bar having a lower end pivotably attached to said base; an elongate support having a first end attached to said screed bar at a location spaced from said lower end and an opposite second end attached to said upright member, said elongate support serving to position the screed bar in a desired angular inclined relationship with respect to said base; and means for detachably mounting the base to a vehicle.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate support is of adjustable length and including means cooperating with said screed bar for adjusting the length thereof to vary the angular inclined position of the screed bar.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screed bar has a first elongate surface defining a longitudinally extending linear screed edge oriented to engage underlying paving material, and including means for mounting the screed bar to the base for adjustable rotational movement about its longitudinal axis so as to vary the angle of said first surface with respect to the underlying paving material.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the screed bar has a second elongate surface joined to said first elongate surface to form a right-angle, acute-angle or obtuse angle cross-section for the screed bar.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for detachably mounting the base to a vehicle comprises an opening formed in the base and configured for receiving the tines of a fork lift vehicle.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the base includes a second cross member disposed above and spaced apart from said first cross member to define said opening.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a first pair of coplanar cross members, a second pair of coplanar cross members, and at least four upright members extending between and joining the first and second pairs of coplanar cross members to define a framed structure.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for detachably mounting the frame to a vehicle comprises one or more brackets disposed on the cross member.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration unit disposed on said screed bar.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stiffening support member having a first and proximal end attached to the screed bar and a second and opposite end that is attached to the base at a location that is rearward of the point at which the screed bar is pivotably attached to the base.
 11. An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a hardenable material on an inclined surface, the apparatus comprising: a base having a first pair of coplanar and spaced apart cross members, a second pair of coplanar and spaced apart cross members disposed above said first pair of cross members, and a plurality of spaced apart upright members extending between and joining the first and second pairs of cross members to define a framed structure; at least one screed bar extending outwardly from said base on one side, said first screed bar having a lower end pivotably attached to said base; at least one elongate support having a first end attached to said screed bar at a location spaced from said lower end and an opposite second end attached to an upright member, said elongate support serving to position said screed bar in a desired angular inclined relationship with respect to said base; a stiffening support member having a first and proximal end attached to the screed bar and a second and opposite end that is attached to the base at a location that is rearward of the point at which the screed bar is pivotably attached to the base; and means for detachably mounting the base to a vehicle.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a second screed bar extending outwardly from said base on a side opposite said at least one screed bar, said second screed bar having a lower end pivotably attached to said base; and a second elongate support having a first end attached to said second screed bar at a location spaced from said lower end and an opposite second end attached to an upright member, said second elongate support serving to position said second screed bar in a desired angular inclined relationship with respect to said base.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said screed bar has a generally “L” shaped cross section.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said distal end of said stiffening member is pivotably attached to said base.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 1, further comprising means for mounting the screed bar to the base for adjustable rotational movement about its longitudinal axis so as to vary the angle of said first surface with respect to the underlying paving material.
 16. An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a hardenable material on an inclined surface, the apparatus comprising: a base having a first pair of coplanar and spaced apart cross members, a second pair of coplanar and spaced apart cross members disposed above said first pair of cross members, and a plurality of spaced apart upright members extending between and joining the first and second pairs of cross members to define a framed structure; a first screed bar extending outwardly from said base on one side, said first screed bar having a lower end pivotably attached to said base; a second screed bar extending outwardly from said base on a side opposite said first screed bar, said second screed bar having a lower end pivotably attached to said base a pair of elongate supports each having a first end attached to one of said screed bars at a location spaced from said lower end and an opposite second end attached to an upright member, said elongate supports serving to position each of said screed bars in a desired angular inclined relationship with respect to said base; and means for detachably mounting the base to a vehicle.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first pair of cross members are spaced apart from the second pair of cross members to define an opening formed in the base that is configured for receiving the tines of a fork lift vehicle.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a stiffening support member having a proximal end attached to the screed bar and a distal end attached to the base, the stiffening support member being configured and arranged to restrict movement of the screed bar with respect to the base.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second screed bars are attached to the base with a ball joint.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pair of elongate members each include a pair of rods that are attached together with a coupling device that is capable of increasing or decreasing the distance between each rod.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the coupling device comprises a turnbuckle.
 22. A method of paving an inclined surface comprising: providing an apparatus having a base and at least one screed bar extending outwardly from said base, the screed bar being angularly adjustable with respect to said base; mounting said apparatus on a vehicle; adjusting the angle between said screed bar and said base so that a lower edge extending along the length of the screed bar is aligned with an inclined surface to be paved; depositing a hardenable material on the inclined surface; and moving the screed bar across the inclined surface to smooth and level the deposited hardenable material.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the hardenable material comprises concrete or asphalt.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of detaching the apparatus from the vehicle.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising vibrating the screed bar as it moves across the inclined surface.
 26. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of: inserting a pair of tines of a fork lift vehicle in an opening formed in the base of said apparatus, said opening being configured for receiving the tines of the fork lift vehicle; and lifting said apparatus. 